This simple recipe for Creamy Cheesy Polenta is gluten free and vegetarian, perfect as a side or topped with roasted vegetables or slow cooked meats.

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Recipe

I’m a big fan of polenta. It’s easy, creamy, cheesy and perfect as a side or as part of a main dish. It’s also vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy!

Creamy Cheesy Polenta

I’ve made vegetarian recipes with polenta, such as this Tomato Kale Polenta Skillet (an all time favorite vegetarian recipe on the blog!). I’ve also served polenta with Beef Ragu, Guinness Braised Short Ribs, Italian Short Ribs and Sausage and Peppers.

No matter what I add to it, this creamy polenta always makes a great base for a delicious recipe!

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 cups half and half
  • 2 cups yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese

Instructions

Add the butter to a large pot on the stove top over medium high heat.  When the butter begins to melt, add the milk, half and half, cornmeal and salt to the pot. Stir continuously, 10-15 minutes, until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Recipe

Add the cheeses and continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the polenta.

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Recipe

Remove from the heat and serve immediately or add to your favorite dish.

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Recipe

Here are a couple of other ways I’ve incorporated this Cheesy Creamy Polenta into recipes on the blog.

Try this Italian Polenta Turkey Casserole for a healthier dish with tons of flavor, or try these Mini Polenta Pizzas with Roasted Tomatoes and Bacon for a delicious gluten-free pizza alternative!

Creamy Cheesy Polenta Recipe

What are your favorite polenta dishes? Comment below and let me know! I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate this cheesy deliciousness into my life!

Creamy Cheesy Polenta
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Creamy Cheesy Polenta

This simple recipe for Creamy Cheesy Polenta is gluten free and vegetarian, perfect as a side or topped with roasted vegetables or slow cooked meats.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the butter to a large pot on the stove top over medium high heat.
  • When the butter begins to melt, add the milk, half & half, cornmeal and salt to the pot.
  • Stir continuously, 10-15 minutes, until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.
  • Add the cheeses and continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the polenta.
  • Remove from the heat and serve immediately or add to your favorite dish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 638kcal (32%)Carbohydrates 52g (17%)Protein 18g (36%)Fat 40g (62%)Saturated Fat 23g (115%)Cholesterol 106mg (35%)Sodium 1073mg (45%)Potassium 549mg (16%)Fiber 4g (16%)Sugar 7g (8%)Vitamin A 1215mg (24%)Vitamin C 1.5mg (2%)Calcium 435mg (44%)Iron 1.8mg (10%)
Did you make this recipe?Tag @WhitneyBond on Instagram and hashtag it #WBRecipes!

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